chromaffin

adj.
Readily stained with chromium salts: chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla.

[German : Chrom, chromium (from French chrome; see chrome) + Latin affīnis, related; see affined.]

(krō'mə-fĭn)
adj.

Staining a brownish yellow upon reaction with chromic salts. Used of certain cells in the medulla of the adrenal glands and in paraganglia.

Taking up and staining strongly with chromium salts.

• c. reaction — application of Zenker's solution to the flat cut surface of freshly excised chromaffin tumor forms a dark pigment within 20 minutes.
• c. tissue — a tissue composed largely of chromaffin cells, well supplied with nerves and vessels; it occurs in the adrenal medulla and also forms the paraganglia of the body, e.g. the carotid bodies, along with the sympathetic nerves, and in other organs.